FAQs from “Sleep 2015″ in Seattle

by Laura Falls on 18 Jun 2015

Organised by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Sleep 2015 was one the world’s largest events dedicated to sleep medicine and research. Held in Seattle, the event was attended by thousands of sleep physicians and researchers.

These are the top questions and answers from the event.

Q. When do you wear Re-Timer for and for how long?A. Re-Timer is worn for 30 minutes per day. The time of day depends on what you would like to change. We have jet lag and sleep and jet lag calculators on our website which provide customized schedules. If someone has delayed sleep, they would benefit wearing Re-Timer in the morning when they wake up (and then earlier each day) for at least 3 days.

Q. How is it charged and how long will it last once charged?A. Re-Timer is charged using a USB cable and will remain charged for 4 hours (8 days of use per charge).

Q. What is the evidence base?A. Since 1987, we have been researching the ability of light to re-time the circadian rhythm. We have published 4 peer-reviewed research papers using Re-Timer prototypes. Details of the research can be found here. If you would like copies of the full journal articles please contact us and we will email these to you.

Q. Why does Re-Timer use green light?A. The colour is blue-green and peak wavelength 500nm. This balances the safety concerns of blue light with the efficacy of the shorter blue and green wavelengths. We have completed extensive product testing on both optical safety and efficacy.

Q. How does it compare to a light box and what is the lux?A. Re-Timer is a portable and convenient solution which increases user compliance to treatment. Re-Timer emits 506 Lux lm/m² and 230 µW/cm² measured at the corneal surface. A standard light box emitting 10,000 lux may only produce 98 lux, Anderson et al. (2009) to 398 lux, Glickman et al. (2009), at the corneal surface.

Q. Why is the light source below the eye?A. The angle of light has been chosen to ensure the maximum amount of light enters the eyes. Light mounted from above is often obliterated by dropping eye fixation below the horizon (i.e. to read, guiding walking, and many other practical situations). The evidence about retinal distribution of the ipRGCells is that they are widely distributed into upper and lower hemi-retinas.